Tesla FSD - No One Will Tell You This - DON'T PAY FOR FSD - Watch This First!!

Tesla decided back in October of 2022 that they no longer needed to provide Ultrasonic Sensors on the Model 3 and Model Y. Not long thereafter, Tesla also removed Ultrasonic Sensors from the Model S and Model X. This quick shift to expand their plans for Vision Only brought forward removing hardware before software was ready.

Although this is not the first time Tesla has done something like this (removing radar, vision only rollout, etc.), this time, it has a major impact on their coveted FSD capabilities. When Tesla removed USS, it turns out that the software has not been developed to allow the car to properly recognize and determine distance of obstacles around the car. Because of this, some features that come with the Full Self Driving package are not active.

Then in March of 2023, Tesla started shipping new Tesla Model X and Model S variants with the new Hardware 4 suite. This new HW4 setup included new cameras, a new board/computer, and at least for the Model S and Model X, a new HD Radar. The Model Y followed suit 3 months later, although it is shipping with a slimmed down version, which does not include an HD radar. The Model 3 is not expected to come with its complimentary suite of HW4 components until Project Highland, the refresh Model 3, begins delivering to customers.

With HW4, it turns out, much like removing USS, limits the capabilities of the car. That is because, like similar times in Tesla history, the software is not ready to utilize the new HW4 components. While we have been waiting 6 months for the Model X and Model S, and 3 months for the Model Y for FSD Beta to be available, we just learned today from Elon Musk that he does not anticipate having FSD Beta for HW4 vehicles, or every vehicle that Tesla sells today, except for the remaining Model 3's before refresh, for 6 months longer than when they complete HW3 FSD development.

That 6 month minimum is how far behind HW4 is compared to HW3. Elon also stated that they wanted to continue to focus on HW3 FSD until it is really good before starting to roll that software over to HW4 vehicles. This unexpected delay for HW4 vehicles is not only disappointing to hear, but Tesla has an even bigger problem on their hands.

Right now, you can add FSD to any HW4 vehicle, either before or after taking delivery. In fact, Tesla is offering 3 months of free FSD as an incentive to all new purchases. The problem? Well, you can't access FSD features in any HW4 vehicle. So whether you paid for, received 3 months free, or spent your referral credits on FSD, you will not be getting these features. And since Tesla does not clearly and prominently display the features that are lacking, and the bigger picture of what that means, consumers are likely to feel frustrated after making a rather large purchase.

As it is right now, you wont be notified of these missing features until you are nearing delivery and you get a notification that you must accept Vision Only and the limitations for delivery. This is of course after your non-refundable deposit has long since been paid. Is this right? Should Tesla do a better job of explaining what features are lacking before ordering? Let me know in the comments!

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[DavidDiaz-jtkm]

I own 2 Teslas with FSD(one with Hardware 4). I love my cars but you are absolutely right about Tesla not being upfront about what you are not getting when you purchase FSD. Thanks for making this point.

[riviantrackr]

Great video and 100% true. We can all love a brand and a product but we need to be able to call out when something is wrong without getting attacked.

[westonea]

I just got my first Tesla back in May with HW3 and Vision. I spent about 1-2 months with the subscription FSD trying to figure out why the Summon wasn't working, just to find out its not available yet. I totally agree that they should have mentioned it more on delivery day, and this video definitely needed to be created. Thank you.

[djnavari]

Excellent video this absolutely has to be fixed. The communication has to be forthright and you’ve done a great service to the Tesla Community making this video. 😊

[fishonband]

Totally support you, and this video should be shared with the whole Tesla community... Higher expectation can result higher disappointment...

[strahlberger]

I want to point out you speak for US. I bought my Model 3 with FSD in Germany in 2021 and we didn't get any benefit from FSD here. Nothing works, didn't recongnise speed signs, no Autopark, nothing. Price is 7000 Euro here and when i sold my car i got absolutly nothing for FSD. I hope it will change soon and i will buy it again.

[radcpuman]

I waited 2 years to get the first FSD beta on my 2019 M3. It is now 4 years after purchase and it is finally really useable. I understand the frustration.

[scottdvorak]

Model 3 FSD owner here. You speak the truth brother. I still love my car. But I’m getting more and more inpatient with the promises and no delivery (or extremely late delivery), and the lack of customer-centric policies and behavior from them. Unless Tesla improves, it’s only a matter of time before I go to a competitor’s EV product. Oh… and the referral program? I’ve been disappointed all three times I’ve referred someone. I’ve never gotten the credit for any of them.

[brandenflasch]

Great video. Tesla absolutely deserves the callout. It’s total BS that my brand new HW4 Model Y won’t get FSD beta for months.

[ivnK]

You’re absolutely right. My Jan 2021 MYLR had the ultrasonic sensors and I was able to dabble in the features whenever I did the monthly FSD subscription. Fast forward to this month, I traded it in with for a 2023 MYLR which only comes with Vision. I also got that Tesla Vision screen before delivery which felt like an ambush. Basically I now have the 3 months of “FSD” but no summon, no auto park, etc. It’s basically just Auto Pilot with lane change. I was looking forward to FSD as I previously enjoyed using the summon feature to get out my tight garage. It was also a neat trick which brought the biggest sense of excitement for my young son. It’s been disappointing to say the least, and like you said, misleading given the referral/loyalty incentive that was currently being offered.

[davidsavitt]

Thank you for your honesty. This video needs to be shared with Elon.

[yevheniisoboliev]

I purchased a Tesla Model YP with HW4 on August 8, 2023. I received my FSD Beta update on September 1st of the same year with a three-month subscription (until Dec.1 of 2023), and I started driving immediately. So far, I have already covered at least 3, 000 miles on FSD Beta and I absolutely love it!

Points to be corrected from your video:
1. I just waited for FSD Beta 22 days from the date of car purchase that arrived with HW4.
2. I have 3 month subscription that started when it was activated, but not from the car purchase date.
3. I started using FSD immediately after activation, so, it's available. I don't know what is your source of information, but it's false (sorry for this)

[n_j]

I agree with what you're saying, it is very misleading. I wish they even provided more information to those who have older cars and purchase the subscription. I had to read other forums that stated if your car's software is above fsd, then you wouldn't get fsd beta but like why isn't that mentioned anywhere. Thanks for bringing this issue to the forefront.

[lucidf]

FSD is an aspirational description. I agree with your video, that Tesla should make the limitations more clear before you pay a nonrefundable fee. Personally, I would not pay for FSD until I had been given the opportunity to try it out for a week or so. That said, once it is generally released and I have seen a few demonstration videos of what it can and can’t do, I might go ahead and rent it for a month.

[philemon]

Thank you much. I did not know this and I am looking at purchasing a Tesla. Thank you for sharing. This video needs to go up the chain. I agree with all that was said. The truth is what we need out here as buyers.

Thanks again 👍🏽

[jerryj]

I just brought my MYP on HW4 in the middle of July and got 3 months of FSD. I just got the update a hour ago for 2023.26.11 which is the FSD beta. I just came back from a fully beta drive and it works perfectly for HW4 Model Y! I lost hope this morning if I would get it before my 3 months were up but I got it today. It’s coming to everyone and it’s worth the wait!

[RogerWilsonTodd]

You’re right: Tesla expects a lot of forgiveness, patience, and understanding from its customers without giving adequate communication or feature delivery scheduling in return. Until Tesla has actual competition, this won’t change.

[richwilder]

YES! Today on my 2023 MYP I burned through my 1st month of "3 Free Months of FSD" kicking & screaming all the way with "Why, why, why is it still grayed out!" This is the first & only explanation I've seen. Thanks Bearded One!

[jameschilton]

You are totally right. This is wrong and I would be very annoyed if I bought a Tesla in good faith expecting something that isn't actually available. Tesla has done well by owners spreading the word - it would be unfortunate if that message was not so complimentary in future. As a shareholder I should probably appreciate the extra revenue but I would rather have the company behave ethically.

[MarvKirsch]

Way to go! On my MY, I just have the Basic Auto Drive package, and that is fine with me. I love to drive and BAD just takes the edge off for me. After a day of driving, I exit the vehicle and feel great, previous ICE cars left me exhausted at the end of the day. So...FSD was never that enticing. Now that I learn that I would get nothing for my investment, I feel even better. Thanks for bringing this to the forefront.